American Airlines Seat Selection & Booking Guide

It's even more annoying to complete AA Airlines Seat Selection than verifying the possibility of the same. With a great understanding of such a worst moment of failure, instead of all the best practices, we have come up with helpful guidelines that would conveniently walk through the procedure to select your preferred seat on the flight.

Knowing about the procedure won’t help you out with the appropriate seat selection unless you glance at other facts, such as seating options, eligibility for certain seating options, and more.

How Do I Pick My Seat On American Airlines?

Planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering about your comfort–? Well, choosing seats in advance can guarantee more comfort on the flights. You can also make an American Airlines seat selection and relax in a seat of your choice. Having a seat you like on the plane enhances your overall experience. But how do you choose a desired seat on the plane? 

If you are worried about sitting along with your travel companions or just need to be comfortable throughout your journey, AA seat selection is the best option for you. Let’s learn more about selecting a seat of your choice on an -American Airlines flight,

What Are the Seat Options for American Airlines Seat Selection?

American Airlines offers you a variety of seating options on its planes. So, before you move forward, understand what are the best seats on American Airlines for long or short flights. Here are the details:

Main Cabin

These are the standard seats in economy class and are available to all passengers. There isn’t any additional perk with such seats, but they are comfortable options for short-haul flights.

Main Cabin Extra

If you are booked in the main cabin but need a bit extra space, these seats offer more legroom than the Main Cabin options. This selection also provides some complimentary perks.

Premium Economy

The premium economy cabin seats on American Airlines offer more priority privileges and are wider to provide you with extra comfort for medium-haul and even some international flights.

Business

These are more on the luxurious side. If you are on a longer journey, these seats will offer you a space to lie down and have complete rest throughout the trip.

First

The most prominent seats on American Airlines are First Class seats. The selection is completely free of charge and available right from the time you book tickets.

Can I Select Seats On American Flights?

Policy for American seat selection works basically according to the fare rules. So, you better understand the fare rules respectively to confirm your eligibility to select seats. With this, you can have a flawless move while processing flight booking including seat selection. 

Basic Economy Fare/Main 

  • Passengers can undoubtedly choose a specific seat at any time. However, if they are not members of AAdvantage, they must pay to select a seat on American Airlines flights. 
  • AAdvantage is eligible for free seat selection.
  • Basic Economy fliers can either pay to select seats and sit with a companion or accept a free, randomly assigned seat at check-in, which may separate them.
  • Seat Selection depends on seat accessibility, so ensure that you purchase while booking to ensure that you can sit next to your companion throughout the travel.

Main Cabin/Main

  • One can enjoy free seat selection service as long as they hold a ticket for the Main Cabin travel class. 
  • Main Cabin passengers or Main fare holders need to pay the American Airlines Seat selection fee of $20 each to select an extra legroom seat. 
  • As long as the seat is accessible, you can choose any of your favours.
  • To choose from a more favorable location: window or aisle airline charges from the passengers. 

Main Cabin Extra/ Main Plus

  • Main Cabin Extra is the elevated version of Main Cabin seating options. 
  • Extra seating option features spacious legroom to avoid the reckless knee any longer throughout the flight. 
  • Passengers holding Main Plus are only liable for free seat selection from Main Cabin Extra. 

Main Select/Business/First/Premium

  • When passengers have reservations on First or Business or Premium travel class, including the Main Select fare, they are liable to choose an extra legroom seat for free.
  • The main seat selection is even free in addition to an extra legroom seat.

Flagship First

  • American offers a free seat selection service to the Flagship First Member or Fareholder.
  • Passengers having flagship first fares can choose a lie-flat seat for free.

Flagship Business

  • Seat selection policy is even similar for passengers holding Flagship Business.
  • Travelers do not need to buy lie-flat seats; instead, pick any of their preferences from the available for free. 

When Can I Select Seats For My Booked Flight?

You can select seats with American Airlines anytime, up until you check in. The airline allows you to use any method online or offline to confirm a seat reservation in advance. Here are the details:

  • Choose seats during booking
  • Select seats by using Manage Booking
  • Confirm seats at check-in

If you skip selecting seats at any step until check-in, the airline will automatically assign you a random seat from the available options. So, if you do not wish to sit apart from your family or friends, make sure to choose one in advance.

Please Note: Although American Airlines tries hard to offer seat selection for families, if you do not choose in advance, you might be separated because of seat unavailability.

How to choose seats on American Airlines?

With their easy and user-friendly interface, you can continue the American Airlines Seat Selection procedure on the airline’s website or mobile app. If you need help from experts, you can call American Airlines customer service for seat selection or go to the airline’s ticket office for the same. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps to Select Seats With a New Booking

  • Go to the American Airlines official website.
  • Make your flight search.
  • Continue to book and the interface prompts you to a seat map.
  • You can pick your desired seat from the map.
  • Check the associated fees or charges.
  • Confirm seats by making payment.

If you do not see any desired seat, you can refresh to check or request a seat change while checking.

Steps To Choose Seats For an Existing Booking

If you already have a booking, you can either choose seats using manage booking or during check-in. Both options are available under the American Airlines “My Trips/Check-in” option on the homepage. Let’s take a look at the detailed steps:

  • Open the American airline’s official website.
  • Go to the My Trips/Check-in section.
  • Put your details as requested.
  • Retrieve your booking and click Seat selection
  • Open the seat map and view available seats
  • Select the seat you want and check the price.
  • Pay if there are any charges.
  • Complete seat selection.
  • Confirm check-in if prompted.
  • Finalize the process.

You can even use the AA official mobile app to select seats using the same option and manage other parts of your booking as well. If you follow this process at check-in you can choose your seats and enjoy exceptional service from the airline.

Can I Select an American Airlines Seat On the Call?

Yes, you can call American Airlines and choose your desired seats with the help of a live representative. Here are the steps that you can follow:

  • Dial American Airlines phone number 800-433-7300
  • Follow the IVR instructions to request a live agent.
  • Connect with the expert and ask for seat selection
  • Share your itinerary with him and get available seat information.
  • Tell him your preferences and inquire about the details
  • Pay the charges, if any, and confirm the seats

The American airlines agents will help you with seat selection and also inform you about any upgrade options available on your booked tickets. You can even ask them about seat changes if you have already selected one at the time of booking.

What Is American Airlines Seat Selection Policy?

Before moving forward to choose your favourite seats with American Airlines, understand their detailed seat selection policy. Here are the details;

  • You can select your specific seats at any point in time for a fee up until check-in
  • If you do not select a seat, the airline will assign you a random seat at check-in.
  • For families traveling with children under 15 who do not select seats, the airline will automatically try to seat them together before the day of departure as long as seats are available.
  • Based on your AAdvantage status, you will get free seat selection in any ticket type.
  • The airline does not refund you seat fees on cancellation.

With these rules, you can easily choose seats following our step-by-step guide and get ready to travel with your favorite buddies in your comfort zone.

How Much Does American Airlines Charge For Seat Selection?

There is no fee to choose seats in business or first class. However, you must pay the American Airlines seat selection fee to select a seat of your choice in economy cabins. The airline charges a small fee depending on which seat you select. Here are the estimated fee details for each type of seat on AA flights:

  • Economy Seats- $5 to $50* USD
  • Preferred Seats- $10 to USD 50*
  • Premium Seats- Most expensive depending on the route

If you pay the necessary fee, you will get to sit on your desired seat on the AA planes and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. For more details on seat selection, feel free to connect with their customer service department.

Can I Avoid Paying Seat Selection Fees to American Airlines?

Yes, you can. To avoid paying for seat selection on American Airlines, do not select any seat while you book tickets. If you do not have any particular seat preference, this will work well for you. So, skip the seat selection process and let the airline assign you a seat at check-in. It will be a random seat assignment so if you are with a travel companion your chances at seating together will be comparatively less.

Final Say

That’s all you need to know to select a preferred seat with American Airlines. You can check the available options and confirm your American Airlines seat selection for a small fee. Or avoid the fee by skipping the process. If you have any more queries, feel free to dial their official phone number or talk to our experts at FlyTripHub. We can guide you towards this simple process without a delay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 How do I pick my seat on American Airlines?

A: You can pick your seats on American Airlines when booking your flight through seat map by checking the available seats. Or you can choose seats later through AA official website or mobile app under My Trips/Check-in.

Q.2 What is the cost of seat selection on American Airlines?

A: American airlines does not charge much for selecting seats. Standard seats are often free except for American Airlines basic economy seats. You can expect a fee of $0 to $160 for seats which are not available complimentary with your fare.

Q.3 What are the levels of seats on American Airlines?

A: There are 4 level of seats on American Airlines- Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First. All these seats vary based on the cabin perks and their legroom space for customers.

Q.4: Do Airlines charge for seat selection?

A: Yes, American airlines does. But it is not necessary to all seats. Some seats are available for free and you can even skip seat selection and let AA assign you one free of charge.